Chapter 11- Introduction to working in practice (1)

Question 1

Within the UK, who is eligible for an NHS sight test?

Answer 1

1- Everyone up to the age of 16

2- Over 60’s

3- Anyone with a high prescription of -10 or +10 D

4- People who are registered sight impaired or severely sight impaired

5- Prisoner on leave from prison

6- Patients suffering from diabetes or glaucoma

7- Patients who have immediate relatives suffering from glaucoma

8- People who are unemployed/ on benefits

Question 2

Are people aged 17-18 eligible for an NHS sight test?

Answer 2

Only if they are in full time education.

Question 3

Patients who have low income but are not on benefits can apply for what?

Answer 3

A health certificate form which can provide financial assistance in terms of eye tests and prescription glasses.

Question 4

What do the NHS England commissions do?

Answer 4

Provide the eye services across different opticians and the hospital setting.

Question 5

In England, who sets out who is eligible for an NHS funded eye examination and help towards the cost of prescription glasses?

Answer 5

The NHS

Question 6

An eye examination is provided based on a national contract for who?

Answer 6

General Ophthalmic Services (GOS)

Question 7

The GOS fee is negotiated annually by who?

Answer 7

Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC)

Question 8

Why have sight tests increased over time?

Answer 8

Because due to an ageing population.

Question 9

What does the PCSE do?

Answer 9

Supports front line primary care provision in England by providing key services to GP’s, optometrists, dentist, etc.

Question 10

What is the GOS 1 form?

Answer 10

Application for an NHS funded eye test

Question 11

What is the GOS 2 form?

Answer 11

Patients optical prescription/ statement

Question 12

After the completion of a GOS eye test, it is an obligation to do what?

Answer 12

Issue a prescription or a statement to the patients who have had an NHS sight test.

Question 13

What would you state on the GOS 2 form?

Answer 13

You would state whether there has been a new/changed prescription or if it is unchanged.

You would state whether you are referring a patient to their GP, etc.

You would state whether you are issuing a voucher to the patient which gives a patient financial aid towards the purchase of glasses.

Question 14

What is the GOS 3 form?

Answer 14

Optical voucher and patient’s statement

Question 15

Who is eligible for a voucher towards glasses?

Answer 15

1- Under 16

2- 16-18 in full time education

3- If a patient is on benefits

4- Wear complex lenses-
High prescriptions

5- Prisoner on leave from prison

Question 16

What is the GOS 3 voucher?

Answer 16

These are vouchers that help towards the cost of spectacles or contact lenses.

Question 17

Optometrists can issue a voucher to those eligible if:

Answer 17

1- There is a change in prescription

2- Spectacles need replacing due to wear and tear

Question 18

How long does the voucher last?

Answer 18

The voucher lasts 2 years from date of issue.

If the patient gets to an age where they are not eligible, then the voucher is invalid.

Question 19

What happens if a patient loses their voucher?

Answer 19

They would have to ask for permission for a new voucher to be issued.

Question 20

What is the GOS 4 form?

Answer 20

NHS optical repair/ replacement voucher

Question 21

Who is eligible for the GOS 4 form?

Answer 21

1 Under 16

2- 16- 18 in full time education

3- People on benefits

4- People with complex lenses- high prescriptions

5- Prisoner on leave from prison

Older patients may be eligible only if damage was because of an illness. For example, a patient with dementia may not be able to handle their spectacles well so they would potentially warrant a repair.

Question 22

What is the GOS 5 form?

Answer 22

Claiming for a private sight test

Question 23

Who fills out the GOS 5 form?

Answer 23

Patients who have a health certificate due to low income.

Question 24

What does the GOS 5 form allow?

Answer 24

This is a claim for part help towards the cost of an eye examination.